Former New Zealand allrounder Harris tipped for ICL

Former New Zealand allrounder Chris Harris is being tipped to join the rebel Indian Cricket League after deciding not to renew his contract with first class team Canterbury.

Harris is one of several former and current New Zealand players who reportedly may join the lucrative breakaway league, which plans to begin a Twenty/20 competition in October.

Harris, who is currently playing in England, has not commented publicly on his plans after Canterbury confirmed Wednesday the 37-year-old was leaving after 18 years playing for his province.

"We are sad to lose Chris. He has been an outstanding player and leader for Canterbury and has had a distinguished career," Canterbury Cricket chief executive Richard Reid said.

"Chris has not indicated whether he will be taking up other cricket playing opportunities."

Harris played 23 Tests for New Zealand and was a mainstay of the one-day international side for 14 years from the 1990/91 season, scoring one-day 4,379 runs at an average of 29 and taking 203 wickets at an average of 37.5.

New Zealand Cricket said last week it would not release any contracted players for the rebel league.

Other New Zealanders named in reports as possible ICL signings include retired internationals Chris Cairns and Nathan Astle and current players Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond.

Other former internationals already signed include former West Indies and Pakistan captains Brian Lara and Inzamam-ul Haq and South Africans Andrew Hall, Lance Klusener and Nicky Boje.